Building structure having unitized joint and connector strap therefor

ABSTRACT

Straps of the type having groups of elongated nail-like teeth struck to project to one side of the strap at its opposite ends are applied between the side wall frames and trusses as well as between the side wall frames and joists in a wooden building construction. Particularly, the group of teeth at one end of the strap is embedded into the outer edge of the stud of the side wall frame while the group of teeth at the other end of the strap is embedded along the upper edge of the upper chord of the truss. In floor joists to side wall frame joints, the group of teeth at one end of the strap is embedded into the outer face of the joist while the group of teeth at the other end of the strap is embedded into the outer edge of the stud of the side wall frame with the foregoing joints. Also, tie-down straps are provided. These straps interconnect between a plate having teeth struck therefrom and embedded into the joist and an anchor whereby the building structure is secured to the anchor. With the foregoing joints, a initized building structure is formed wherein relative separating movement between the truss and side wall frame, the side wall frame and floor joist, and the floor joist and a ground anchor is precluded.

United States Patent [1 1 Jureit et al.

[ Jan. 21, 1975 BUILDING STRUCTURE HAVING UNITIZED JOINT AND CONNECTORSTRAP THEREFOR [75] Inventors: John Calvin Jureit, Coral Gables;

Carlos S. Rionda, Miami, both of Fla.

[73] Assignee: Automated Building Component Inc., Miami, Fla.

22 Filed: May 9, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 358,488

[52] US. Cl 52/86, 52/79, 52/644, 52/285, 85/11, 85/13 [51] Int. Cl E04b1/348 [58] Field of Search 52/644, 639, 643, 79, 90, 52/92, 93, DIG. 6,86, 712, 285; 85/11, 13; 217/70 [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 971,678 10/1910 Jerolaman 85/13 1,082,937 12/1913 Douglass 52/901,698,574 l/1929 Winchell 217/70 2,260,105 10/1941 Hasenburger... 52/2852,280,687 4/1942 Connelly 52/92 2,597,342 5/1952 Lang 217/70 3,298,1511/1967 Jureit 85/13 3,662,502 5/1972 Wright. 52/93 3,699,731 10/1972Arnold.... 52/92 3,748,809 7/1973 Jackson 52/644 3,757,475 9/1973Hackworth 52/23 3,783,562 1/1974 Eysenring 52/94 FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 449,997 3/1913 France 217/70 Primary ExaminerErnest R.Purser Assistant ExaminerHenry Raduazo Attorney, Agent, or FirmLeBlanc &Shur [57] ABSTRACT Straps of the type having groups of elongatednail-like teeth struck to project to one side of the strap at itsopposite ends are applied between the side wall frames and trusses aswell as between the side wall frames and joists in a wooden buildingconstruction. Particularly, the group of teeth at one end of the strapis embedded into the outer edge of the stud of the side wall frame whilethe group of teeth at the other end of the strap is embedded along theupper edge of the upper chord of the truss. In floor joists to side wallframe joints, the group of teeth at one end of the strap is embeddedinto the outer face of the joist while the group of teeth at the otherend of the strap is embedded into the outer edge of the stud of the sidewall frame with the foregoing joints. Also, tie-down straps areprovided. These straps interconnect between a plate having teeth strucktherefrom and embedded into the joist and an anchor whereby the buildingstructure is secured to the anchor. With the foregoing joints, ainitized building structure is formed wherein relative separatingmovement between the truss and side wall frame, the side wall frame andfloor joist, and the floor joist and a ground anchor is precluded,

14 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTEB JANZI I975 SHEEI 30F 4 I j n 0 M0on I I nunununfim FIG ll BUILDING STRUCTURE HAVING UNITIZED JOINT ANDCONNECTOR STRAP THEREFOR The present invention relates to woodenbuilding structures and joints therefor, and particularly relates toconnector straps for reinforcing the joints between trusses and the sidewall frames and the joints between the side wall frames and the floorjoists, whereby relative separating movement of these discrete buildingelements is substantially precluded. The present invention also relatesto tie-down straps for the building structure whereby the structure canbe anchored.

In usual wooden building construction, the side wall frames are normallynailed to the floor joists with a flooring or decking interposedtherebetween. Also, the roof trusses are normally nailed to the upperplates of the side wall frames. For example, in mobile home buildingconstruction, the lower plates of the side wall frames are generallynailed to either longitudinally or transversely extending floor joistswith a plywood floor or decking interposed therebetween. Also,bow-string type trusses are usually nailed at opposite ends to the upperplates of the side wall frames. It has been found, however, thatrelative separating movement of the side wall frames and joists as wellas between the trusses and the side wall frames does occur, particularlyduring wind uplift periods. Thus it is possible that at such times thetrusses will move away and become detached from the side wall frame.Also, the sidewall frames can move away and become detached from thefloor joists. Likewise the entire wooden building structure can moveaway from its foundation during such times.

The present invention provides a unitized joint construction forbuilding structures which minimizes and- /or eliminates the problems ofpreventing relative separating movement between building elements, i.e.,trusses, side wall frames, and joists and provides novel and improvedunitary joints having various advantages in construction, use and resultin comparison with conventional methods of joining these elements one tothe other. The present invention also provides tie-down straps foranchoring the entire building structure.

More particularly, the present invention provides straps for unitizingthe joints between the trusses and the side wall frames, between theside wall frames and the joist, and between the joists and an anchor forthe building whereby the building structure is substantially unitarywith these elements being reinforced against separating movement onefrom the other. To accomplish this, straps of the type having groups ofelongated nail-like teeth struck from each of its opposite ends areemployed to span the joints between the respective elements of thebuilding structure. For example, in one form of the present invention, astrap is applied to each joint between a truss and a side wall framewith the teeth at one end of the strap being embedded into the outer endof the stud of the side wall frame and the teeth at the opposite end ofthe strap being embedded into the outer face of the upper chord of thetruss. In this manner the truss and side wall frame are reinforcedagainst relative separating movement and form a substantial unitarystructure. Also, it will be noted that the strap is attached to themembers of the truss and side wall frame which constitute the principalstructure members. Thus the end member of the truss and the upper plateat each strapped joint hereof are clamped between the upper chord of thetruss and the stud of the side wall frame thereby effectivelyeliminating any tendency toward separation of the upper plate from thestud or the truss end member from both the upper plate and the chordends. With respect to the joint between the joist and the side wallframe, a similar'type strap is applied. Specifically, the teeth at oneend of the strap are embedded into the outer edge of the stud while theteeth at the other end of the strap are embedded into the outer face ofthe joist. The intermediate portions of the strap void of teeth span thelower plate and the flooror decking disposed between the lower plate andfloor joist, Thus, the strap interconnects the principal members of eachof the building elements, i.e., a side wall frame and joist, andreinforces the same against relative separating movement.

Tie-down straps are also used in conjunction with the present invention.Particularly, plates of the type having a plurality of elongated naillike teeth struck from the major portion thereof are embedded into theouter face of the joists. The ends of the plates free of the teeth andwhich extend below the joists are provided with openings wherebytie-down straps can be secured to the plates. The opposite ends of thetie-down straps are, of course, secured to anchors, for example concretepilings or blocks. Thus, with the foregoing joints and tie-down straps,a substantially unitized building structure, for example a mobile home,is provided with the principal structural elements reinforced againstseparating movement one from the other.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to providea novel and improved, substantially rigid, unitary wooden buildingstructure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel andimproved, substantially rigid, unitized building structure wherein thejoints between the building elements are reinforced against relativeseparating movement.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a noveland improved rigid building structure which is reinforced against winduplift.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel andimproved rigid utilized building structure employing straps of the typehaving a plurality of elongated nail-like teeth struck therefrom forjoining the various building elements one to the other and spanning thejuncture of such building elements.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a noveland improved rigid unitized building structure having various and noveltie-down straps and ancillary plates therefor whereby the buildingstructure can be anchored to the ground.

These and further objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent upon reference to the following specification andappended claims and drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a wall frame utilizingjoints constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view thereof illustrating the framework ofa mobile home;

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are enlarged fragmentary elevational view of jointsformed between a truss and the side wall frame of a mobile home;

FIG. 5A is a fragmentary side elevational view of a joint formed betweena truss and an interior wall frame;

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 and 8A are fragmentary elevational views of variousforms of joints hereof between the side wall frames and the floor joist;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged elevational view of a joint between anouter side wall frame and a floor joist and further illustrating a formof tie-down for the mobile home;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary enlarged elevational view of a joint between aninner side wall frame and an intermediate floor joist and furtherillustrating another form of tie-down for the mobile home; and

FIGS. ll, 12 and 13 are plan views of various forms of plates utilizedherein for forming discrete parts of tie-down structures, i.e., asillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a pair of side wallframes generally indicated 10 surmounted by a plurality of transverselyextending longitudinally spaced bow string trusses generally designated12. As in typical mobile home constructions, the side wall frames 10 aremounted on joists 14 and a decking or floor 16 is secured over thejoists 14. As will be appreciated from conventional constructions, eachside wall frame 10 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced studs18 joined at upper and lower ends by upper and lower plates 20 and 22,respectively. In the present construction, an intermediate structuralmember 24 is inset in notches formed along outer edges of studs 18 andextends generally parallel to the plates 20 and 22. Surmounted on theupper plates 20 of the side wall frames 10 is a plurality oflongitudinally spaced bow string trusses 12 each comprised of a lowerchord 26 and an upper chord 28 having a camber. In the form of trussesillustrated in FIG. 2 the upper and lower chords are joined one to theother at their opposite ends by longitudinally extending members 30suitably secured and butted against the ends of chords 26 and 28.Intermediate struts or braces 32 are provided at spaced positions alongthe bow string truss between the upper and lower chords and these maycomprise the sheet metal struts disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,298,151, ofcommon assignee herewith.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing introduction to thisapplication that an important object of this invention is the provisionof a unitary or unitized frame particularly for the purpose of addingrigidity to the structural frame and preventing separation of floorjoists, wall and truss during wind uplift periods.

To this end, the various joints between the trusses and the side wallframes, and the side wall frames and joists are reinforced in a mannerwhich will now be explained. First, with respect to the joint betweenthe truss and the side frame, there is provided at opposite ends of thetruss an elongated sheet metal strap designated 32 preferably havingadjacent its opposite ends a plurality of teeth 34 struck to project toone side thereof. The teeth may be configured and arranged as set forthin U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,520 of common assignee herewith. The slots leftby the teeth extend therefrom in a direction parallel to the length ofthe strap. It will be appreciated that the portion of the plateintermediate the groups of teeth 34 struck from opposite ends thereof isfree of teeth. The strap 32 is applied along the sides of frame 10, andalong the sides and upper portions of truss l2. Particularly, the groupof teeth 34 at one end of each strap 32 are embedded into the outer edgeof the corresponding stud directly below the top plate 20. The plate 32extends over the outside edge of the top plate 20 along the outer facemember 30 and along its upper edge, and along the upper edge of chord28. The teeth at the opposite end of the strap are embedded into theupper edge of chord 28 whereby the strap 32 spans the juncture betweenchord 28 and member 30, the juncture between the member 30 and top plate20 and between top plate 20 and the stud 18. In this manner any forcestending to separate the truss and side wall frame are resisted by thestrap. It will be appreciated that this strap is applied to each of thejoints between the truss and the side wall frame at each longitudinalposition of the studs and trusses or may be applied to to alternatestuds or on various centers as desired. It will also be appreciated thatthe groups of teeth can be struck from the intermediate portions of thestrap and embedded into either the upper plate 20 or the member 30 orboth as desired.

Referring now to the joint between side wall frame 10 and joist 14,there is provided a strap 36 preferably having a plurality of elongatednail-like teeth struck to project to one side thereof and from oppositeend portions of the strap. The intermediate portion of the strap isclear of struck teeth. The strap is applied to this joint by embeddingthe teeth at one end of strap 36 into the lower outer face of stud 18just above lower plate 32 and the teeth at the opposite end of strap 36into the outer face of the joist 14. In this manner, strap 36 spans thejunction between joist 14 and deck 16, the juncture between deck 16 andlower plate 22 and the juncture between plate 22 and stud 18. The jointin effect unitizes the connection between stud l8 and joist 14 andprevents relative separating movement of side wall frame 10 and joist14. It will be appreciated that the intermediate portion of the strapmay be provided with struck teeth for embedment into the lower plate 22on the floorboard 16 or both.

Again, referring to FIG. 2, a plate 40 may be applied along the outeredge of stud 18 in overlying relation to member 24 which is inset alongthe outer edge of studs 18. Plate 40 is preferably provided with aplurality of elongated nail-like teeth struck from each of its oppositeends to project to one side thereof, leaving the intermediate portion ofthe strap free of struck teeth. Thus, plate 40 may be applied byembedding the teeth at its opposite ends thereof into the outer edges ofstud 18 on each of the opposite sides of member 24 leaving theintermediate portion overlying members 24. Thus, any tendency of member24 to separate from stud 18 is resisted by plate 40. Also, the plate 40will strengthen the vertical beam of the panel at the cutout and willalso protect any electrical wiring passing through the cutout.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated another form of jointbetween a truss 12a and a side wall frame 18a. In this form, the top andbottom chords 28a and 26a, respectively, are joined at their ends by apair of connector plates 42 of the type having a pair of elongatednail-like teeth struck to project to one side thereof. These plates maybe of the type disclosed in prior referenced U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,520 ofcommon assignee herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated hereinby reference as though fully set forth. As in the previous embodiment,the teeth hereof are embedded into the outer edges of stud 18a and intothe upper edges of chord with its intermediate portion overlying thelongitudinally extending member 30a.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a still further form ofjoint between a truss 12b and a side wall frame 18b. In this form, thelongitudinally extending member 30 is omitted and the ends of the upperand lower chords 28b and 26b, respectively, are joined one to the othersolely by a plate 42b similar to the plate 42 described in the previousembodiment. The teeth at the opposite ends of the strap 32b are embeddedinto the outer edges of stud 18b and upper chord 28b, respectively, withthe intermediate portion thereof directly overlying the ends of chords26b and 28b. As in the previous embodiments, the upper end of the strap32b overlies and forms a part of the roof structure of the mobile home.It will be appreciated that teeth can be provided along the intermediateportion of strap 32b for embedment into the end of chord 28b or 26b orboth as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated another form of unitizedjoint hereof for preventing separating movement between truss 12c andside wall frame 100. Particularly, in this point, the upper and lowerchords 26c and 28c, respectively, of truss 120 are joined one to theother by a longitudinallyextending member 300. The ends of truss 12crest on upper plate 200 of side wall frame 100. In this form, however, astrap 32c which extends solely along the side wall of the mobile home isapplied. Particularly, the strap 32c is provided with a plurality ofteeth struck to project from its opposite ends as at 34c. As in theprevious embodiments, the teeth at one end of strap 32c are embeddedinto the outer edge of stud 18c while the teeth 340 at the opposite endof strap 320 are embedded into the outer face of member 300 with theintermediate portion of strip 320 thus spanning between the stud and themember 300 in overlying relation to plate 200. Thus, any separatingmovement of the truss and wall frame is resisted by strap 32c whichspans the joint therebetween. Teeth may also be provided theintermediate portion of plate 32c for embedment into the upper plate200.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, there is illustrated another form of unitizedjoint hereof for preventing separating movement between a truss 12d andan interior wall frame 39 having interior wall studs 41 and an upperplate 43. In this form, the truss 12d includes upper and lower chords36d and 28d respectively which are separated adjacent their inner endsby a web member 45. The truss rests on the upper plate 43 of interiorwall frame 39. To unitize this joint, a strap 32d similar to the strapillustrated in FIG. 5 interconnects the truss 12d and the wall frame 39.Particularly, the strap 32d is provided with a plurality of teeth struckto project from its opposite ends as at 34d. The teeth at one end of thestrap 32d are embedded into the outer edge of the stud 41 while theteeth at the opposite end of the strap are embedded into the web 45 withthe intermediate portion of the strap 32d spanning between the stud 41and web member 45 in overlying relation to plate 43 and the end oflowerchord 28d. Thus, any separating movement of the truss'and interior wallframe is resisted by strap 32d which spans the joint therebetween.

Referring now to FIGS. 68, there are illustrated various forms of aunitized joint formed between side wall frames 18 and floor joists 14.Three forms of joint are illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, respectively, withFIG. 6 illustrating a joint having a stud gap, FIG. 7 illustrating ajoint without a gap, and FIG. 8 illustrating a joint with a joist gap.Referring now to FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that studs 18d are insetfrom bottom plate 22d whereby the outer edges of the stud frame and theouter faces of the bottom plate and joists 22d and 14d,

respectively, lie in respective parallel offset planes. To complete theunitized joint hereof, a strap is applied along the outer edges of thewall frame and joist. Particularly, strap 36d comprises an elongatedsheet metal plate having a plurality of elongated nail-like teeth 38dstruck from its opposite ends to project to one side thereof. To applythe plate, the teeth at one end of the strap are embedded into the outerface of joist 14d while the teeth of the other end of the plate 36d areembedded into the outer edge of stud 18d at a location spaced aboveplate 22d. The intermediate portion of strap 36d, which is void ofteeth, extends along the outer face of the lower plate 22d and inclinesinwardly and upwardly toward the studs 18d thereby spanning the gapbetween the outer faces of the joist and lower plate on the one hand andthe outer edge of the stud on the other hand. It will be appreciatedthat straps of this type (and also of the type illustrated in FIGS. 7and 8 as described below) are located at each stud location or everyother stud location as desired throughout the length of the side wallframe.

In FIG. 7, the outer edge of the stud frame 10e lies flush with theouter edge of joist 142 as well as with the lower plate 22e.Accordingly, to form the unitized joint hereof, the strap 36e, formedsimilarly as the strap 36d described previously, is applied to the outeredge of the joist and wall frame with the teeth 382 at the opposite endsthereof embedded into the side wall of the joist and the outer edge ofthe stud l8e, respectively. Thus, the strap 36e prevents relativeseparating movement of the side wall frame 103 and joist 14a.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the gap is formed by an inset joist 14f. Thatis, the outer face of the side wall frame lies parallel to but laterallyoutwardly of the outer face of joist 14f. Also, lower plate 22flies inalignment with studs 18f. The strap 36f, formed similarly as strap 36ddescribed above, is thus applied along the outer face of the side wallframe and joist with the teeth 38f applied to the joist and stud,respectively. Consequently, the intermediate portion of the plate 36f,which is void of teeth, spans lower plate 22f, decking 16f and inclinesdownwardly and inwardly toward the joist 14. The unitized jointsimilarly prevents relative separating movement of the side wall frame10f and joist 14]".

It will be appreciated that the floor joists, of the embodiments hereofillustrated in FIGS. 6-8, extend lengthwise of the wall frames. Thejoists 14, however, may extend laterally of the side wall frames withthe ends of the joists extending outwardly beyond the side wall frames,or lying flush with the side wall frames. In each such arrangement, thestraps 36d, 36e and 36f would operate similarly to form the unitizedjoints with the teeth 38 at the lower end of the strap embedded endwiseinto the end of the joist. Obviously, in this latter form, the joistmust be laterally aligned with the stud in order to effect propersecurement thereof. For example, strap 262 may span between the sidewallstuds and the ends of the floor joist with the teeth at end end of thestrap embedded into the end face of the joists as illustrated in FIG.8A. In FIG. 8A, the joist 14b extends normal to the sidewall frame whichis comprised of studs l8z and upper and lower plates, the lower plate222 being illustrated.

To anchor a building structure employing the unitized joints hereof,tie-down straps are utilized. Referring now to FIG. 9, there isillustrated a joint between a joist 14g and a side wall frame 10g. Apair of tie-down straps or rods 50 and 52 are also illustrated foranchoring the building structure. It will be appreciated that the strapsor rods are spaced along the sides and ends of a building structure toanchor the same throughout its length. The tie-down rods 50 and 52 eachcomprise a pair of rods each being threaded at one end for threadedreception in a turn-buckle 56 while the opposite ends thereof terminatein hooks 58. Eye bolts 60 are secured in a supporting structure, whichfor example, may comprise a concrete base, and are adapted to receivethe hooks 58 at the end of the tie rods. To secure the tie rods to thebuilding structure, a plate 62 having a plurality of teeth strucktherefrom to project to one side is applied to the joist 14g.Particularly, the teeth of the plate are embedded into the outer face ofjoist 14g. the plate having an end 64 which projects beyond the loweredge of joist 14g. The end 64 is provided with one or more openings forreceiving the upper ends of hooks 58 of tie rods 50 and 52. Once thebuilding structure is sited, the tie rods are applied and theturn-buckles rotated to render the latter taut.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is illustrated an inside wall frame 70comprised of a bottom plate 72, and upstanding studs 74, the upper endsof which are connected to one another by an upper plate, not shown. Thewall frame 70 is secured to the underlying joist 14h through a deckboardor flooring 16h. To form a unitized joint between an interior wall paneland the joist, an opening 76 is formed through the floor or deck 16h. Atie-down strap 78 of the type having a plurality of elongated nail-liketeeth struck from its opposite end portions is received within theopening 76 and the teeth thereof are respectively embedded into thejoist 14h and stud 74. It will be appreciated that the intermediateportion of the plate 78, which is void of teeth, spans the floor or deck1611 as it passes through the opening, and the lower plate 72. Thus, anyseparating movement of the interior wall frame and the joist relative toone another is precluded by the strap 78.

A tie-down strap for the building structure, of which the jointillustrated in FIG. 10 forms a part, is illustrated at 80. As in theprevious embodiments, a plate 62h having a plurality of elongatednail-like teeth struck therefrom is secured to the joist with a lowerend thereof projecting beyond the lower edge of the joist. The lower endof the plate is provided with a slot 82 which receives a tie-down strap84. Strap 84 is in the form of a sheet metal belt, the length of whichcan be selectively adjusted. The lower end of the belt is secured to asuitable bolt 86 anchored, for example, in concrete or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, there are illustrated variousforms of tie-down plates 62j, 62k and 62m, each of which is providedwith a plurality of elongated nail-like teeth struck to project to oneside of the plate as illustrated. In each form hereof the teeth arestruck in transversely extending rows with the slots in each rowextending from the teeth in like directions and the slots in adjacentrows extending from their associated teeth in opposite directions. Inplate 62j, a pair of slots 88 and 90 are provided in the end of theplate which would normally extend beyond the joist or member to whichthe plate is applied. The slots 88 and 90 are adapted to receivetie-down straps. In FIG. 12 the plate 62k is provided with a pair ofgenerally parallel slots 92 and 94 and an inclined slot 96. In thismanner, the tie-down straps can be applied in angular relation one tothe other. In FIG. 13, a circular opening 98 is provided in the plate62m. Preferably, edges of the opening are formed or pealed back toreinforce the metal about the opening 98. Thus, the tie-down strapapplied to the plate 62m can be applied at any angular orientation.

Referring back to FIG. 1, an alternative tie-down construction isillustrated at 110. in this form, a pair of plates each similar to theplate 62m illustrated in H0. 13 are hinged one to the other about theaxis of the circular opening 112 formed through each. Particularly. themargins of one plate about its circular opening are formed through theopening in the other plate. This form of hinged plate is described andillustrated in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 303,939 filed Nov. 6, 1972of common assignee herewith, the disclosure of that application beingincorporated herein by reference thereto as though fully set forthherein. Once the plates 1 10 are secured to the joists, however, theycannot pivot relative to one another. However, these plates do provide astrong secure connecting point between the anchor and the buildingconstruction.

It will be appreciated that the objects of the present invention arefully accomplished in the foregoing in that there is provided asubstantially unitized building construction wherein the joints betweenthe various elements of the structure are spanned by straps which ineffect form structures, unitizes the building, i.e., renders integralfloor joists side walls and trusses of the structure in a manner whichprecludes relative separating movement of such elements. Moreover, theforegoing is provided in a simple and economical manner and in a mannerwhich is readily applicable to existing building structures.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States LettersPatent is:

l. A building structure comprising a truss including upper and lowerchords, means for joining the ends of the chords one to the other, agenerally vertically extending side wall frame including a plurality ofstuds joined at opposite ends to upper and lower plates, means forjoining one end of said truss to said frame with said lower chordresting on said upper plate including an elongated sheet metal straphaving first and second groups of elongated nail-like teeth struck fromrespective opposite end portions of the strap to project to one sidethereof, said strap being applied to said joint along the outer surfacesof said frame and said truss with the first group of teeth at one end ofthe strap being embedded into the frame and the second group of teeth atthe opposite end of the strap being embedded into said truss wherebysaid strap interconnects said truss and said frame to reinforce thetruss and frame against relative separating movement and to form asubstantial unitary joint therebetween, said first group of teeth beingembedded into the outer edge of one of the studs of the frame.

2. A building structure comprising a truss including upper and lowerchords, means for joining the ends of the chords one to the other, agenerally vertically extending side wall frame including a plurality ofstuds joined at opposite ends to upper and lower plates, means forjoining one end of said truss to said frame with said lower chordresting on said upper plate including an elongated sheet metal straphaving first and second groups of elongated nail-like teeth struck fromrespective opposite end portions of the strap to project to one sidethereof, said strap being applied to said joint along the outer surfacesof said frame and said truss with the first group of teeth at one end ofthe strap being embedded into the frame and the second group of teeth atthe opposite end of the strap being embedded into said truss wherebysaid strap interconnects said truss and said frame to reinforce thetruss and frame against relative separating movement and to form asubstantial unitary joint therebetween, the second group of teeth beingembedded into the outer edge of the upper chord of said truss.

3. A building structure comprising a truss including upper and lowerchords, means for joining the ends of the chords one to the other, agenerally vertically extending side wall frame including a plurality ofstuds joined at opposite ends to upper and lower plates, means forjoining one end of said truss to said frame with said lower chordresting on said upper plate including an elongated sheet metal straphaving first and second groups of elongated nail-like teeth struck fromrespective opposite end portions of the strap to project to one sidethereof, said strap being applied to said joint along the outer surfacesof said frame and said truss with the frist group of teeth at one end ofthe strap being embedded into the frame and the second group of teeth atthe opposite end of the strap being embedded into said truss wherebysaid strap interconnects said truss and said frame to reinforce thetruss and frame against relative separating movement and to form asubstantial unitary joint therebetween, said first group of teeth beingembedded into the outer end of one of the studs of the frame, the secondgroup of teeth being embedded into the outer edge of the upper chord ofthe truss, and the intermediate portion of said strap being free ofstruck teeth and overlying said plate and the end of said chord.

4. A building structure comprising a truss including upper and lowerchords, means for joining the ends of the chords one to the other, agenerally vertically extending side wall frame including a plurality ofstuds joined at opposite ends to upper and lower plates, means forjoining one end of said truss to said frame with said lower chordresting on said upper plate including an elongated sheet metal straphaving first and second groups of elongated nail-like teeth struck fromrespective opposite end portions of the strap to project to one sidethereof, said strap being applied to said joint along the outer surfacesof said frame and said truss with the first group of teeth at one end ofthe strap being embedded into the frame and the second group of teeth atthe opposite end of the strap being embedded into said truss wherebysaid strap interconnects said truss and said frame to reinforce thetruss and frame against relative separating movement and to form asubstantial unitary joint therebetween, a floor joist, a floor paneloverlying said floor joist, means coupling said side frame to said joistincluding a second elongated sheet metal strap having a group ofelongated nail-like teeth struck from each of the opposite end portionsof the strap to project to one side thereof, the group of teeth at oneend of the second strap being embedded into an outer surface of saidfloor joist and the group of teeth at the other end of the second strapbeing embedded into one of said studs whereby said latter strapinterconnects said sidewall frame and said joist to reinforce the sameagainst relative separating movement and to form a substantial unitaryjoint therebetween.

5. A structure according to claim 4 wherein said floor joist lies in aplane generally parallel to the plane of said side frame with one groupof teeth being embedded into the outer side face of said joist.

6. A structure according to claim 4 wherein said floor joist lies in aplane generally normal to the plane containing said side frame with onegroup of teeth being embedded into the end face of said joist.

7. A structure according to claim 4 including means for anchoring saidfloor joist to an underlying anchor including a sheet metal plate havinga plurality of naillike teeth struck to project to one side thereof andembedded into said surface of said floor joist, said teeth beingdistributed over a major portion of said plate leaving an end thereoffree of teeth and projecting beyond the lower edge of said floor joist,said projecting end of said plate defining an opening therethrough andmeans for securing said plate to an anchor including means engagingthrough said end opening in the plate.

8. A structure according to claim 4 wherein said joist is inset from theouter edge of said side frame.

9. A structure according to claim 4 wherein said joist is locatedoutwardly of the outer edge of said side frame.

10. A structure according to claim 4 including an interior wall framehaving a plurality of studs and upper and lower plates, a second floorjoist and a floor panel overlying said second floor joist, said floorpanel having an opening therethrough, means coupling said interior frameand said second floor joist including an elongated sheet metal straphaving groups of a plurality of elongated nail-like teeth each struckfrom its opposite ends and to project to one side thereof, said strapbeing receivable through said opening with the group of teeth at one endof the latter strap embedded into a surface of said second floor joistand the group of teeth of the other end of the latter strap beingembedded into a stud of said interior frame whereby the latter strapinterconnects said interior frame and said second joist to reinforce thesame against relative separating movement.

11. A building structure comprising a generally horizontally extendingfloor joist, a generally vertically extending side wall frame includinga plurality of longitudinally spaced studs joined at opposite ends byupper and lower plates, means for joining said side wall frame and saidjoist one to the other including an elongated sheet metal planar straphaving a group of elongated nail-like teeth struck from each of theopposite end portions of said strap to project from like sides thereof,the group of teeth at one end of said strap being embedded into an outersurface of said floor joist and the group of teeth at the other end ofsaid strap being embedded into one of said studs with intermediateportions of said strap spanning said lower plate whereby said strapinterconnects said side wall frame and said joist to reinforce the sameagainst relative separating floor joist lies in a plane generally normalto the plane containing said side frame with the one group of teethbeing embedded into the end face of said joist.

14. A structure according to claim 11 wherein the slots left by theteeth extend in a direction parallel to the long axis of the strap.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 851,094 I Dated January 21 1975 John Calvin J'ureit andCarlos S Rionda Itis certified that error appearsin the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the Abstract, line 20 "initized" should read --unitized--.

Col. 2, line #1, "utilized" should read --unitized--.

Col. 5, line 18 "point" should read --joint--.

Col. 6, line 26, "edge" should read "edges"; line 28, "well" should read--face-- line 60, "end end" should read "one end-.

Signed and sealed this 10th day of June 1975.

SEAL) Attest:

C. MARSHALL DANN Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks RUTH C. MASONAttesting Officer

1. A building structure comprising a truss including upper and lowerchords, means for joining the ends of the chords one to the other, agenerally vertically extending side wall frame including a plurality ofstuds joined at opposite ends to upper and lower plates, means forjoining one end of said truss to said frame with said lower chordresting on said upper plate including an elongated sheet metal straphaving first and second groups of elongated nail-like teeth struck fromrespective opposite end portions of the strap to project to one sidethereof, said strap being applied to said joint along the outer surfacesof said frame and said truss with the first group of teeth at one end ofthe strap being embedded into the frame and the second group of teeth atthe opposite end of the strap being embedded into said truss wherebysaid strap interconnects said truss and said frame to reinforce thetruss and frame against relative separating movement and to form asubstantial unitary joint therebetween, said first group of teeth beingembedded into the outer edge of one of the studs of the frame.
 2. Abuilding structure comprising a truss including upper and lower chords,means for joining the ends of the chords one to the other, a generallyvertically extending side wall frame including a plurality of studsjoined at opposite ends to upper and lower plates, means for joining oneend of said truss to said frame with said lower chord resting on saidupper plate including an elongated sheet metal strap having first andsecond groups of elongated nail-like teeth struck from respectiveopposite end portions of the strap to project to one side thereof, saidstrap being applied to said joint along the outer surfaces of said frameAnd said truss with the first group of teeth at one end of the strapbeing embedded into the frame and the second group of teeth at theopposite end of the strap being embedded into said truss whereby saidstrap interconnects said truss and said frame to reinforce the truss andframe against relative separating movement and to form a substantialunitary joint therebetween, the second group of teeth being embeddedinto the outer edge of the upper chord of said truss.
 3. A buildingstructure comprising a truss including upper and lower chords, means forjoining the ends of the chords one to the other, a generally verticallyextending side wall frame including a plurality of studs joined atopposite ends to upper and lower plates, means for joining one end ofsaid truss to said frame with said lower chord resting on said upperplate including an elongated sheet metal strap having first and secondgroups of elongated nail-like teeth struck from respective opposite endportions of the strap to project to one side thereof, said strap beingapplied to said joint along the outer surfaces of said frame and saidtruss with the frist group of teeth at one end of the strap beingembedded into the frame and the second group of teeth at the oppositeend of the strap being embedded into said truss whereby said strapinterconnects said truss and said frame to reinforce the truss and frameagainst relative separating movement and to form a substantial unitaryjoint therebetween, said first group of teeth being embedded into theouter end of one of the studs of the frame, the second group of teethbeing embedded into the outer edge of the upper chord of the truss, andthe intermediate portion of said strap being free of struck teeth andoverlying said plate and the end of said chord.
 4. A building structurecomprising a truss including upper and lower chords, means for joiningthe ends of the chords one to the other, a generally verticallyextending side wall frame including a plurality of studs joined atopposite ends to upper and lower plates, means for joining one end ofsaid truss to said frame with said lower chord resting on said upperplate including an elongated sheet metal strap having first and secondgroups of elongated nail-like teeth struck from respective opposite endportions of the strap to project to one side thereof, said strap beingapplied to said joint along the outer surfaces of said frame and saidtruss with the first group of teeth at one end of the strap beingembedded into the frame and the second group of teeth at the oppositeend of the strap being embedded into said truss whereby said strapinterconnects said truss and said frame to reinforce the truss and frameagainst relative separating movement and to form a substantial unitaryjoint therebetween, a floor joist, a floor panel overlying said floorjoist, means coupling said side frame to said joist including a secondelongated sheet metal strap having a group of elongated nail-like teethstruck from each of the opposite end portions of the strap to project toone side thereof, the group of teeth at one end of the second strapbeing embedded into an outer surface of said floor joist and the groupof teeth at the other end of the second strap being embedded into one ofsaid studs whereby said latter strap interconnects said sidewall frameand said joist to reinforce the same against relative separatingmovement and to form a substantial unitary joint therebetween.
 5. Astructure according to claim 4 wherein said floor joist lies in a planegenerally parallel to the plane of said side frame with one group ofteeth being embedded into the outer side face of said joist.
 6. Astructure according to claim 4 wherein said floor joist lies in a planegenerally normal to the plane containing said side frame with one groupof teeth being embedded into the end face of said joist.
 7. A structureaccording to claim 4 including means for anchoring said floor joist toan underlying anchor including a sheet metal Plate having a plurality ofnail-like teeth struck to project to one side thereof and embedded intosaid surface of said floor joist, said teeth being distributed over amajor portion of said plate leaving an end thereof free of teeth andprojecting beyond the lower edge of said floor joist, said projectingend of said plate defining an opening therethrough and means forsecuring said plate to an anchor including means engaging through saidend opening in the plate.
 8. A structure according to claim 4 whereinsaid joist is inset from the outer edge of said side frame.
 9. Astructure according to claim 4 wherein said joist is located outwardlyof the outer edge of said side frame.
 10. A structure according to claim4 including an interior wall frame having a plurality of studs and upperand lower plates, a second floor joist and a floor panel overlying saidsecond floor joist, said floor panel having an opening therethrough,means coupling said interior frame and said second floor joist includingan elongated sheet metal strap having groups of a plurality of elongatednail-like teeth each struck from its opposite ends and to project to oneside thereof, said strap being receivable through said opening with thegroup of teeth at one end of the latter strap embedded into a surface ofsaid second floor joist and the group of teeth of the other end of thelatter strap being embedded into a stud of said interior frame wherebythe latter strap interconnects said interior frame and said second joistto reinforce the same against relative separating movement.
 11. Abuilding structure comprising a generally horizontally extending floorjoist, a generally vertically extending side wall frame including aplurality of longitudinally spaced studs joined at opposite ends byupper and lower plates, means for joining said side wall frame and saidjoist one to the other including an elongated sheet metal planar straphaving a group of elongated nail-like teeth struck from each of theopposite end portions of said strap to project from like sides thereof,the group of teeth at one end of said strap being embedded into an outersurface of said floor joist and the group of teeth at the other end ofsaid strap being embedded into one of said studs with intermediateportions of said strap spanning said lower plate whereby said strapinterconnects said side wall frame and said joist to reinforce the sameagainst relative separating movement and to form a substantial unitaryjoint therebetween.
 12. A structure according to claim 11 wherein saidfloor joist lies in a plane generally parallel to the plane of said sideframe with the one group of teeth being embedded into the outer sideface of said joist.
 13. A structure according to claim 11 wherein saidfloor joist lies in a plane generally normal to the plane containingsaid side frame with the one group of teeth being embedded into the endface of said joist.
 14. A structure according to claim 11 wherein theslots left by the teeth extend in a direction parallel to the long axisof the strap.